Editorial: Cheerleaders Also Leaders In Classroom

Monday

Specifically, we’d like to say thank you to the cheerleaders for the Darby Junior High School Rangers, who have shown their support for things bigger, even, than football.

Under the direction of cheer coach Jody Presson, who says he chose his team members 40 percent for their skill and 60 percent for their citizenship, the Darby girls have been spending time with first-graders at nearby Tilles Elementary. There they help the younger students with science, reading and writing, according to a report in Friday’s edition.

Audra Harper, the first-grade teacher, said the cheerleaders seem to give their young friends confidence and excitement about learning. They work especially well with children who are learning English as their second language.

Madison Wilkins, cheer team captain, points out that many of the cheerleaders are Tilles alumnae, so the project feels a little like going home.

The ninth-grader described her experience this way in Friday’s report: “It feels good to help other people and let them know they are smart and they can do it.”

We suspect this is the cheerleaders’ secret weapon: They inspire the younger students because they believe in them and recognize them as “other people,” not “little kids.” The younger children can identify with the cheerleaders in a way they may not be able to identify with more-adult teachers.

Looking at the older girls in their black and gold uniforms, the first-graders get a sense of who they can become, and, maybe for the first time, that starts to look like fun.

The girls use their Thursday activity period to help their young friends, so they aren’t missing out on any of their own education. In fact, teaching the younger students probably helps them to cement their own understanding. As the old adage holds, “If you want to learn something, try teaching it.”

And speaking of teaching, if some of these young women from Darby hear the calling to be teachers through this activity, so much the better.

Mr. Presson, who also is a civics teacher at Darby, said this about his team members: “I want them to be good cheerleaders, but more importantly, I want them to be good people.”

We have long known the teachers and students at Darby to demonstrate strong citizenship. Once more it appears that Rangers lead the way.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Follow Us

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Times Record ~ 5111 Rogers Ave., Suite 471, Fort Smith, AR 72903 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service